A few finds from Cowra, Australia

[izak_]

Hi Folks,

 

A couple of weeks ago we went on a 5 day trip around NSW to find a few different fossils which I'll post another day, but here are some of our best finds from near Cowra, NSW Australia. 

So in a nutshell, there's a quarry near Cowra that was quarried to be used as road base in the area, and thats how these specimens were found. You can find blocks of the stuff on the side of the road if you're lucky. Since you can't get into the quarry nowadays because the owner has pretty much lost the plot this is the only way to collect material. 

 

#1 Cowralepis mclachlani. This is one of a few species of fish at the site and is by far the most common. We have never found any other species there.

 

Continued...

[izak_]

Sorry about the horrible pics as always, I couldn't take good photos to save my life!

 

Unidentified primitive plant. Almost forgot to mention, these fossils are from the Mid Devonian.

 

And a couple more Cowralepis: 

 

Hope you guys enjoyed seeing some placoderms, this group of fish deserves some more attention for sure.

[Tidgy's Dad]

Wow! 

Those fish are stunning! 

Nice finds and thanks so much for sharing this with us. 

[Troodon]

Outstanding, the top placoderm is spectacular,  congrat on those finds.   Know nothing about this critter is that size typical?  The pereservation is also super typical for the site.

[Dan 1000]

Nice finds mate! Fish like that are quite hard to find in Victoria.  Shame the quarry owner won't let anyone in anymore 

[izak_]

1 minute ago, Troodon said:

Outstanding, the top placoderm is spectacular,  congrat on those finds.   Know nothing about this critter is that size typical?  The pereservation is also super typical for the site.

Thanks @Troodon! From what I've seen the sizes of these specimens are typical, smaller ones are also common however. 

And thanks @Tidgy's Dad and @DanKurek - Yeah they're hard to find anywhere to be honest. Some nice stuff has been found in Vic though  

[RJB]

Very cool !  

 

RB

[Troodon]

How much prep work, if any, was needed on these specimens.

[izak_]

Just now, Troodon said:

How much prep work, if any, was needed on this specimens.

Here's the first specimen before prep:

Generally not much prep is needed (the above specimen is an exception) for these but a little bit of tidying up around the edges is needed if you know what I mean   

[izak_]

Oh, and I believe the first specimen is a male!  

[Fossildude19]

These are incredible fish, Izak! 

Nice prepwork, as well. 

Was this done with a pin vise, or with an airscribe or engraver? 

Was the matrix difficult to work with? It looks to be on the softer side. 

Excellent report and finds.  

Thanks for showing us. 

[Monica]

WOW!!!

Amazing placoderm!!!

[izak_]

3 minutes ago, Fossildude19 said:

These are incredible fish, Izak! 

Nice prepwork, as well. 

Was this done with a pin vise, or with an airscribe or engraver? 

Was the matrix difficult to work with? It looks to be on the softer side. 

Excellent report and finds.  

Thanks for showing us. 

Thank you, Tim! The matrix is great to work with. Was prepped with an air scribe  

[Bone guy]

Goofy lookin things, I love them!  

 

 

[izak_]

6 minutes ago, Bone guy said:

Goofy lookin things, I love them!  

 

 

Sure the jawless ones are, but have you seen arthrodires like Dunkelosteus terrelli?? 

 

[caldigger]

2 hours ago, Foozil said:

Sorry about the horrible pics as always, I couldn't take good photos to save my life!

I'm in the same boat buddy! 

I get so envious of all the great pictures people take.  

[TyBoy]

Very nice congratulations on the finds

[Miocene_Mason]

Magnificent placoderms! Rare beasts indeed, and yours are beautiful! You say you think the one is a male, are the tail attachments claspers?

[Carl]

Simply incredible! And not the same old stuff we always see on the Forum. Definitely submit this for Fossil of the Month - you got my vote already!

[Fruitbat]

I'll add my kudos on the placoderm discovery and prep!  I've always had a soft spot in my heart for the jawless fishes...even though I've never found one!

 

-Joe

[MeargleSchmeargl]

Now I'd like to have one of these medieval fishies for myself! Only problem is where to get my hands on one.

[Nimravis]

Great finds, congrats.

[ynot]

WOW, that is a great find!

Thanks for sharing.

[Jeffrey P]

That first fish is magnificent. Big congratulations on a spectacular find and thanks for sharing it.

[izak_]

Thanks, everyone! 

8 hours ago, WhodamanHD said:

Magnificent placoderms! Rare beasts indeed, and yours are beautiful! You say you think the one is a male, are the tail attachments claspers?

They sure are